Thursday, June 14, 2012

Spain 4 - 0 Republic of Ireland (full-time) UPDATED

Spain as expected dominated the half, although Ireland had their own chances early in the half. barely 3 minutes pass, when a mistake in the Ireland defense made Fernando Torres score an easy goal. Torres nearly made it 2, in the space of a few minutes, when Alvaro Arbeloa header found Torres in the box, but his shot ended wide, a chance which should have been a goal. Torres is silencing his critics in this match as he looks very dangerous with the ball.

Spain look dominant as a series of passes made an opening for Xavi, whose shot ended over the bar. Spain continued to dominate possession, Xavi passed it short to Pique, but his short was very poor. Spain could have scored when Jordi Alba, after a fine work, crossed towards Silva, but his header was anticipated into a corner, and from the resulting corner Xabi Alonso's shot went a few inches over. Ireland were operating from a counter attack, when Aiden McGeady crossed for Keane but the ball was cleared. Keith andrews may have been the best player for Ireland as he tried all the time to win balls from the Spanish side. Ireland were sloppy once again, as Torres picked up the ball, but passed towards Alba, and the defense of Ireland recovered and the pass towards Alonso, cleared the danger as Spain were once again closed. Ireland could have scored when Keane got some space in the area, tried his luck, but Pique blocked the shot. Glenn Whelan was the last player to be booked in the half.

2nd Half

Spain continued to dominate the game, and the score of 4-0 shows how dominant Spain were. In fact after just 3 minutes in the half Spain made it 2-0, when Iniesta found Silva in the box, and after some time making up his mind of what to do, he shot beautifully between 3 players to slot it in the net. Spain nearly made it 3 immediately, after nice one touch passing, Xavi tried his luck, but his shot was blocked.

Torres nearly made it to make it 3 but he was judged off-side with replays showing that he was off-side but only just. Ireland responded with a cross from McGeady, but Casillas gathered easy the cross. Ireland had a chance but they were wasteful, as McGeady plays Andrews, but he passed it short and Spain cleared the danger away. Spain made it 3 thanks to Torres who received a pass after a mistake from Ireland, and with a one-on-one with Shay Given he shot to make it 3.

Spain made some changes, but they were mostly to rest the important players. But they were not finished after a corner was passed to Fabregas in the box, controlled, dribbled and shot a beauty to make it 4-0. Ireland were totally outplayed, but one had to admire the Ireland fans, as their singing continued throughout the match even after it finished.